Abstract: A command accumulation tool, a testing tool for a queue, and a method, are provided, which, for example, may cause commands to accumulate in queue(s). In one embodiment, a testing tool comprises an I/O interface for connecting with a target having the queue(s); and an I/O interface for connecting with initiator(s). Trigger logic intercepts a predetermined response at the target I/O interface from a target to an initiator with respect to a command of the initiator, and asserts a trigger signal. Outbound logic responds to the trigger signal, providing a reject and retry response at the target I/O interface for the target with respect to the response from the target, whereby a timeout timer for the command of the initiator is stopped for the queue(s). The outbound logic additionally conducts flow control with respect to the target at the target I/O interface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and article of manufacture to provide for microcode updates for devices and libraries attached to Storage Area Networks. Exemplary embodiments include updating microcode residing in nonvolatile memory using Logical Unit Numbers assigned to specific storage components. Components receiving microcode updates include data storage devices, docking stations, removable hard disk drives, robotic accessors and library controllers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, an apparatus, a method and an article of manufacture to provide for writing WORM (write once read many) data to a data storage device. A WORM pointer memory is used for maintaining an inventory of LBAs (logical block addresses) where WORM data may be written on the data storage media of the data storage device. The WORM pointer memory is a tamper proof memory device to maintain data integrity with respect to WORM data.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for writing WORM data to a data storage device by use of a WORM LBA indicator. A WORM memory is used to maintain an inventory of logical block addresses (LBAs) where WORM data is written on the data storage media of the data storage device. The WORM memory is a tamper proof memory device to maintain data integrity with respect to WORM data. Before writing any data to the disk the WORM memory for each LBA where data will be written is examined to determine if writing is allowed at the LBA. If writing is allowed, the data is written, otherwise no data is written.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and device for signaling a reconnection inhibitor over a bus to cause the reconnection inhibitor to access the bus to inhibit an Input/Output (I/O) controller from accessing the bus. An initiator transmits I/O requests on the bus to the I/O controller, wherein the I/O requests are queued in an I/O queue, wherein the I/O controller is inhibited by the reconnection inhibitor from draining the queue while the initiator transmits requests to the I/O controller.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releaseably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releaseably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releaseably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releaseably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for emulating a fiber channel port. A controller is provided according to the invention that includes a fabric port and a virtual N port. The controller is adapted to buffer incoming data and convert an N port address provided with the data by a host computer to an instruction to the picker to couple the disk drive corresponding to the requested N port address to the virtual N port.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and article of manufacture to provide for managing removable storage media that is identified by a persistent worldwide name. SAN storage management is enhanced by preserving the persistent worldwide names assigned to removable storage media when it is necessary to replace the removable storage media. Exemplary embodiments include determining that a first removable storage media identified by a persistent worldwide name needs to be replaced, creating a copy of the data from the first removable storage media and assigning the persistent worldwide name to the second removable storage media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a library of hard disk drives with transparent emulating interface. The hard disk drives are shelved in associated storage locations in the library. A library controller translates the logical address of a requested hard disk drive known to the requesting host computer to a physical address or location within the library. A picker preferably mounts the requested disk drive to a destination receptacle which may be part of a backplane of the library, and the controller accesses the hard disk drive. Library operation is transparent to the host computer, the library emulating a selected type of storage device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hard disk drive picking device and method for transferring a disk drive from one of a plurality of storage bins in a library to a destination wherein the disk drive may be electrically interconnected to a computer. The picking device includes a backplane adapted to provide power or I/O interconnections between the disk drive and the destination during transfer of the disk drive.

Abstract: A magazine for a plurality of removable disk drives. The magazine provides physical and electrical support for the disk drives, and includes a magazine backplane for electrically connecting to the disk drives, and a module connector for electrically connecting to a host computer, preferably at a backplane of the library. Preferably, the magazine also supports a connecting circuit for implementing a fibre channel arbitration loop and intelligent hub for reconfiguring the fibre channel arbitration loop if one or more of the disk drives fails.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for emulating a fiber channel port. A controller is provided according to the invention that includes a fabric port and a virtual N port. The controller is adapted to buffer incoming data and convert an N port address provided with the data by a host computer to an instruction to the picker to couple the disk drive corresponding to the requested N port address to the virtual N port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a library of hard disk drives with transparent emulating interface. The hard disk drives are shelved in associated storage locations in the library. A library controller translates the logical address of a requested hard disk drive known to the requesting host computer to a physical address or location within the library. A picker preferably mounts the requested disk drive to a destination receptacle which may be part of a backplane of the library, and the controller accesses the hard disk drive. Library operation is transparent to the host computer, the library emulating a selected type of storage device.